CHAPTER V.
MAXIMILIAN, EMPEROR OF MEXICO.
1803.
Inherent Idea of Empire — Montezuma, Iturbide, Maximilian — Forced Adhesions — Character of the Regents — Deputation to Maximilian — His Acceptance — Maximilian and Charlotte, their Character and Personal Appearance — Imperialist Successes — Movements of the Juarists — Arrival of the Archbishop — Bazaine — French Policy — Attitude of the United States — Fall of Morelia — Death of Comonfort — Further Fighting
The prospects of a stable government could not fail to appeal widely to the people, even if introduced under the hateful though imposing auspices of French armies. Property holders had everywhere suffered greatly from ravages and forced contributions, and the effect of this extended also to a wide circle around them, which otherwise, with true Mexican volatility, was ready to welcome any change, especially for the pomp and glitter of a court. The cause of religion found naturally a large following, influenced in particular by the women, who, seeing little in w r ar but its horrors, naturally preferred a prince of peace of fair features and glittering paraphernalia to the more logical and patriotic liberalism. As for the Indians, living for themselves and clinging rather to the past, the revival of the empire struck in some of them a sympathetic chord, which set in vibration the memories of recent colonial times, with their substantial privileges and exemptions, and above all, traditions of the golden ante-Cortesian period, as recalled in the imperial coat of arms, with its eagle on
(101)
